Monday, December 10, 2012

Above Hollywood

"After all, I'm turning eleven, Mom," he said."What I'd like to do is go on a hike with you and dad. All the way to the top of that range we're always pointing at."

My husband and I exchanged glances.

Really? A hike?

Instead of a birthday party?Was he feverish?

Or is this how childhood ends, with a casual sentence on a morning like any other, with no advance notice, no bang and no whimper?

* * * * *

So hike we did.

And glad we were.

Because every step...

(The Hollywood Hills, December 9th, 2012. All photos by LBG.)

...was an adventure...

...and every vista was indescribably beautiful.

(Looking west to Griffith Park Observatory.)

City life seemed very far away. Up here, there was no holiday madness. No 21st century buzz. Just stillness. And light. And air.

And gratitude.

(Mount Hollywood marker, 1519 feet elevation.)

On the way down, Luca forged his own trail.

He led us into a dense grove of cedar trees on the edge of a steep promontory. Locals call it "The Secret Garden of Griffith Park." It's the kind of place where even the sun needs a special invitation to enter.

A most beautiful Colorful tree in the thick of the woods. I think it's great all your son wanted for his Birthday was to hike in the woods with his parents. That speaks volumes about you and your husband. Happy Birthday Luca!

Happy birthday to Luca! I remember when Chloe announced that for her 9th birthday she didn't want prezzies any more, she wanted donations to the SPCA. I thought that was a sign but childhood went on for loads more years.

About that lovely, little tree. Don't you just love the thoughtfulness of some people? Someone decorates a little tree on a popular forest walk in Vancouver too. No idea who does it but the tree is there each Christmas. :)

What a magical birthday adventure that is bound to bring more to come! I love the little Christmas tree and the person(s) who spread the holiday joy for all to share. Wishing you a week of peaceful moments, Cynthia

I got teary eyed reading this. I remember reading his past adventures and knowing he's growing up so quick makes me melancholic. My favorite story of him is when you two were in London and you were in a book store trying to choose books for him while he had a list of his own.

I got teary eyed reading this. I remember reading his past adventures and knowing he's growing up so quick makes me melancholic. My favorite story of him is when you two were in London and you were in a book store trying to choose books for him while he had a list of his own.

Hi Lisa,I've been reading your blog for years and so enjoy it - I'm in Sydney in a Californian Bungalow with a penchant for F.Scott Fitzgerald,Indian textiles, etc... last night my 11 year old son and I went to see 'The perks of being wallfower'- I'm appreciating this stage when we can now talk about the same movie. Thanks for your blog and all the best writing your book :)jane

Oh, what a special birthday hike. I think he made the right decision to forgo a party. I love the photos you took and what a lovely surprise on your way back down. Happy holidays to you and all your lovely blog readers!!!

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